Seven charged in vehicle thefts, including four juveniles

On February 1, at approximately 7:30 a.m., the Ville Platte Police Department received a call in reference to a business break-in on Dardeau Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered that multiple ATVs were stolen from one business and a truck and fork lift were stolen from a second business in the area. They also discovered damage to both businesses.
Investigators were called to the scene and began their investigation. Video surveillance and evidence led to the arrest of three adults and four juveniles. A total of six ATV’s were recovered along with a truck and fork lift.
Kendel Freeman, 17, W. Live Oak St., Ville Platte, was arrested and charged with theft, burglary and criminal damage to property. Freeman remains incarcerated on a $15,000 bond set by 13th Judicial District Judge John Larry Vidrine.
Clyde Bihm Jr., 17, 154 Buzzy Lane, Ville Platte, was arrested and charged with theft, burglary and criminal damage to property. Bihm remains incarcerated on a $15,000 bond set by Judge Vidrine.
Damoddrick Griffin, 17, 405 N. Latour St., Ville Platte, was arrested and charged with theft, burglary and criminal damage to property. Griffin remains incarcerated on a $15,000 bond set by Judge Vidrine.
Four juveniles have also been charged and released to their parents pending a court date.
Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue stated the investigation is ongoing and more arrests could be made in this case and that there are other break-ins and thefts that this group of suspects may be responsible for.
Lartigue is also asking for assistance in other thefts that may or may not be related to this investigation. Multiple air conditioners have been stolen from local homes and businesses throughout the last month. If you know anything about these air conditioners the detectives want to hear from you.
“It is worthy to note that the officers and detectives were able to recover all of these items which was helpful to the business owners and citizens.” Lartigue stated. Lartigue commended the officers and detectives who worked diligently throughout this investigation to find these suspects and recover the stolen items.
If you have any information on recent break-ins and thefts, you are urged to call the Ville Platte Police Department at 363-1313. Your call will remain anonymous.